The Copper Princesses of Zambia stormed into the final of the 2025 COSAFA U17 Girls Championship with an emphatic 5-1 victory over Zimbabwe in Windhoek, Namibia. Ruth Mukoma starred with three assists, while Natasha Kasema netted twice to lead a ruthless Zambian side into the final, where they will face the winner between Mozambique and Malawi.
Dominant Zambia Start Strong
Zambia began on the front foot, creating several clear chances through Grace Phiri, Esther Makoti, Hellen Banda, and Ruth Mukoma. However, early finishing let them down, with Zimbabwe’s goalkeeper Tanyaradzwa Nyakuchena—who plays for Brighton & Hove Albion in England—standing firm with multiple key saves.
The breakthrough came in the 36th minute when Natasha Kasema pounced on a loose ball following a Mukoma cross to fire Zambia ahead. The Copper Princesses took a well-deserved 1-0 lead into the break.
Second-Half Brilliance Seals the Win
Just after the hour mark, Hellen Banda doubled Zambia’s lead with a perfectly placed free kick. Although Zimbabwe pulled one back in the 74th minute after Bukata Kakumbi mishandled Dee Winnie Mapuwa’s speculative long-range effort, Zambia’s response was swift and brutal.
Beatrice Njobvu restored the two-goal cushion in the 81st minute, calmly slotting home after a sublime setup by Mukoma. Two minutes later, Grace Phiri danced past three defenders before blasting the ball into the roof of the net for Zambia’s fourth.
In stoppage time, Kasema completed her brace, tapping in Mukoma’s third assist of the day to seal a 5-1 rout. Mukoma nearly added a sixth herself from the penalty spot, but Nyakuchena made a comfortable save.
Mukoma the Maestro, Kasema the Finisher
While Kasema’s clinical finishing grabbed the headlines, it was Ruth Mukoma’s all-round playmaking that made the difference. Her creativity and delivery provided Zambia with attacking edge throughout the match.
Zambia now advance to the final of the COSAFA U17 Girls Championship, looking to secure regional glory. Whether it’s Malawi or Mozambique who join them in the final, the Copper Princesses have sent a strong message—they are here to dominate.
🟩 Match Summary: COSAFA U17 Girls’ Championship 2025 – Semi-Final 1
Full-Time: Zambia 🇿🇲 5-1 Zimbabwe 🇿🇼
Goalscorers:
Zambia: Natasha Kasema (36′, 90+1′), Hellen Banda (61′), Beatrice Njobvu (81′), Grace Phiri (83′)
Zimbabwe: Dee Winnie Mapuwa (74′)
